What is the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?

The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR is a fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle event featuring practical, hands-on demos and workshops. Learn about renewable energy, small-scale agriculture, livestock, gardening, green building, natural health and more. We also hand-select local and national exhibitors to bring you the best in organic food and drink, books and magazines, tools and seeds, green contractors, animal fibers, clothing and more.

How long has the FAIR been around?

The first MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR was held in Seven Springs, Pa., in September 2010. A second FAIR was introduced in Puyallup, Wash., in June 2011 a third FAIR, in Lawrence, Kan., in October 2013 and a fourth FAIR in Asheville, N.C. In 2014 the FAIR will be held in Asheville, N.C., Puyallup, Wash., Seven Springs, Pa. and Topeka, Kan.

Do I have to pay to attend workshops?

No, entrance to all workshops is included in the cost of your ticket.

Do I have to sign up to attend workshops?

No, but seating is first come, first served.

How can I get a good seat at the workshops?

Arrive early. Most stages have a 30-minute gap between workshops, so claim a spot as soon as the previous workshop ends. You can also purchase a VIP ticket, which entitles you to reserved seating at most stages, breakfast and lunch during the FAIR, a MOTHER EARTH NEWS Archive DVD, and other perks. Click here for more information.

Should I bring my kids with me to the FAIR?

Absolutely! Kids under the age of 18 get in free, and each FAIR hosts kids' programming.

Can I drop off my kids at the kids' stage?

No, children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The kids' stage is not a babysitting service.

Does it cost anything to bring my kids?

No! Children under the age of 18 get in free.

What forms of payment do you accept at the gate?

The FAIR accepts cash, checks, credit cards and debit cards.

Why aren't tickets less expensive?

Each ticket allows the holder to experience a full weekend or full day of activities and events. Professional sporting and entertainment events with similar or higher prices may only last a few hours, and not have as wide a spectrum of activities. Ticket sales pay for convention space, workshop and event equipment, and speaker accommodations. To save a few dollars, we highly recommend buying tickets in advance or helping out.

Do you offer any discounts on tickets?

Yes! Sign up for the FAIR e-newsletter to find out when tickets go on sale.

If I purchase a weekend ticket, can I go one day and let a friend go the next day?

Sorry, no. Once you remove your wristband, it is void. Wristbands may not be reattached.

I bought my ticket in advance. Do I have to wait in line to get into the FAIR?

If you received your ticket in the mail, you will have to wait in a short line to exchange your ticket for a wristband. If you purchased your ticket too late for us to mail it out, you will have to wait in the Will Call line to receive your wristband.

When will the FAIR schedule be available?

The workshop stage schedule and complete program guide will be available within four weeks of the event. The workshop speakers are all specialists in their fields and, fortunately, have very busy lives! So it takes us a bit of time to orchestrate around everyone’s schedule. Updates to the workshop information section, which features workshop descriptions and other information including speaker biographies, are updated continuously.

I want to help out. Can I volunteer at the FAIR?

Of course! Visit our FAIR helper page to learn about what jobs are available and what perks you will receive.

Are cameras allowed at the FAIR?

Yes! However, please be respectful when taking pictures or recording video. If in doubt, ask permission.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the FAIR?

Yes. Feel free to bring a reusable water bottle, snacks for people with dietary restrictions, etc. Please note that there are many meal and snack vendors at the FAIR for when you get hungry.